Decent place to learn sales and business management - Sales Associate Fastenal Employee Review

3.0
Oct 17, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I just handed in my notice to Fastenal last Friday on good terms. I was immediately discharged according to company policy, I knew it would happen, so no hard feeling there. I was however informed today that Fastenal is not obligated to pay the two weeks severance salary, even though I offered to work out the remainder. What lead me to hand in my notice. From the start I felt I had been dupped. They way the commission structure was sold to me sounds lucrative. As part of the negotiation I was promised a raise at 30 days. That did not happen as my position was changed from inside sales to outside. I asked to be correctly compensated for that. More excuses and probationary time added. After six months I decided to stop waiting. I had been sold on working for Fastenal by a salesmen, who had only his better interest in mind. Fastenal sells their wages as being competitive, it is competitive compared to retail work. Emphasis is placed on margin and store profitably, which is understandable. It is a great way to learn the inner workings of how a business is run. The work culture needs attention (Sacramento area) you are expected to keep your time card 100% legit on paper, realistically you had to falsify your times and work without Lunch breaks are the norm. If you are in your early twenties, with no family to support, a willingness to hustle everyone on your way to lower mid management , won't take no for an answer, are ok with being mislead regarding your livelihood, eager to drink the cool-aid and are willing to invest ten years to make an honest wage. I encourage you to apply.

Cons

Deceiving pay structure, non competitive insurance plans, disposable employment to name a few

Explore other reviews about Fastenal

5.0
Jun 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Management is good Hours are negotiable Time off is available Opportunities to move up always available

Cons

No commissions for part time

3.0
Jun 9, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

They offer training programs through their internal “Fastenal School of Business.” A few good mentors to guide you should you find one and if you’re willing.

Cons

* Work/Life Balance - No official WFH opportunities. Branch employees were told to report, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. 15 days of PTO (10 for vacation and 5 for sick). You don’t earn additional PTO until the start of the year following your 5 year anniversary. * Pay - pay is inconsistent and they find reasons to change your pay by eliminating and changing titles. Pay is below industry standard and is a base + bonus program for most roles. * Boys Club - Especially in MN/WI area. Positions created or filled for cast off tenured employees to find them another spot rather than termination. Promotions based on political moves instead of merit or opportunities for growth. Positions posted for new roles internally but sometimes not shared with teams to allow for those politically motivated decisons to fill a spot. If a role is only posted for 1-week vs 2-weeks, it usually means they have a specific candidate in mind to take that role. * Cheap & Tacky - Required to travel but not all meals are covered. Welcome to stay at hotel that offers free breakfast but no per diem for lunch or dinner. Some meetings or trainings might provide lunch. When traveling for team meetings or trainings, usually required to share rooms - sometimes with other employees you’ve never met. Encouraged to book rooms using discount codes provided by customers. There is a target room rate they’d like you to hit and sometimes it means driving out of the way. They’d rather the expense hit elsewhere such as fuel and travel versus the room rate.

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